RD 101 - Looking at Mystery

By Jack Eberle

To understand the term mystery as used in Scripture, we will have to consider various Greek terms. MUEO is the Greek verb “to initiate or instruct”. MUSTEES is “an initiated one”. MUSTERION, “mystery”, MUTHOUS is “myth”, or as found in 2 Timothy 4:4 “fables”. “Mystery” has been defined as a divine secret. It is not necessarily difficult to understand.

It is necessary that it be revealed. I Corinthians 2:6-10, “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages unto our glory. Which none of the princes of this age knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified The Lord of Glory.  But as it is written, ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.’ But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: For The Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” See also Matthew 13:10-11. “…Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? BIG DOUBLE STAR ANSWER OF CHRIST: “…Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven but to them it is not given”. Read further concerning THE mystery of Colossians 2:2. “That the hearts of them may be encouraged, joining together in love; and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding unto acknowledgement of the mystery of The Christ, God” (WI). Are we not speaking of the mystery of Ephesians 3:9 here? Notice again in Romans 11:25 the mystery of Israel’s blindness which will last “until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in”.

In I Corinthians 15:51-57, we see the glorious mystery of resurrection! How wondrous to meditate on these basic spiritual truths. Yet, many can never see these truths. Remember, He says, “I SHOW you a mystery…”

To round up: Consider the mystery of iniquity, I Thessalonians 2:7; the mystery of godliness, I Timothy 3:16; and the mystery of Christ, Ephesians 3:4.

Actually, Ephesians 3:3-9 speaks of a mystery as part of another mystery. Read, study, and meditate upon this to see if He will teach you (I John 2:27). Finally, we will say a word or two about the “great” mystery found in Ephesians 5:32. Christ reveals this mystery in His following words, “but I speak unto Christ and the assembly.” Yes, this is the mystery of “The Church” who IS His body with such intimacy! Treasure the blessed Word!